The Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Hunt illegally chased and killed a fox on Saturday the 5th November. The body was retrieved by hunt saboteurs who were present at the time and is currently being autopsied by a vet. The hunt had met at Monkland near Kilbrachan, Renfrewshire at 11am and were being monitored by hunt saboteurs to prevent the killing of foxes.

At approximately 1.30pm sabs saw the hounds in a valley all gathered around something. Sabs ran in from the bottom and the top of the valley and one sab saw the fox as he approached being attacked by the hounds. He got the fox away from the hounds but it was sadly already dead. The sabs took the body back to their vehicle which was then blocked in by the hunt in an attempt to retrieve it. Sabs managed to escape and took the body away to be autopsied while others stayed with the hunt for the rest of the day.

Lee Moon, spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association, stated: “Well done to the sabs involved who tried their best to save this poor fox. Although they were unsuccessful on this occasion their efforts save many lives and the evidence they gathered yesterday shows that the hunts across Scotland are blatantly flouting the Hunting Act. Seeing such distressing images will only strengthen their resolve and turn more people against the sickening blood sports that still take place in this country.”

Three supporters of the Colne Valley Beagles Hunt have pleaded guilty to Affray after an attack on hunt saboteurs on Boxing Day 2014. The hunt met at the Jack O Mitre pub in Scammonden, West Yorkshire for their traditional Boxing Day meet. Supporters of the hunt attacked the sab vehicle with baseball bats, dragged several members of the group from the vehicle and punched and kicked them repeatedly.

Yesterday, three of the perpetrators pleaded guilty to Affray and were charged as follows: Danny O'Brien sentenced to 120 hours Community Service Charles Walker sentenced to 80 hours Community Service. Gareth Nicholson sentenced to 60 hours Community Service.

Lee Moon, spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association, stated: "Whilst we are pleased that the attackers have admitted their crimes and will have to carry out community service this is a disappointing light sentence. Affray is a serious charge and this was a premeditated and vicious attack which would ordinarily have resulted in a prison sentence. Two of the main instigators of the attack are still unidentified and we hope West Yorkshire Police continue to look for these individuals. The police are still looking for the main attacker, pictured to the right of the photo above. If you have any information about the identity of this person, please contact West Yorkshire police on 101."

George Adams (retired) huntsman of the Fitzwilliam Hunt along with Bird of Prey Handler John Mease appeared before Peterborough Magistrates court today. They pleaded not guilty to charges in relation to the hunting act following the death of a fox on Jan 1st 2016. John Mease is also facing cruelty charges from an incident 2 years ago involving a Golden Eagle and a fox. The defence attempted to get the expert witness statement from Professor Stephen Harris removed by questioning his character, however the judge told the defence in no uncertain terms that his evidence cannot be removed purely on hearsay.

The Hunting Act case will be heard on the 5th December and the cruelty case on the 8th, both at Peterborough Magistrates Court.

The video evidence for this prosecution was supplied by Beds and Bucks Hunt Saboteurs with witness statements from both Beds and Bucks and South Cambs Hunt saboteurs.

Lee Moon, Spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association, stated: “We are pleased that this case is progressing and that both the CPS and Cambridgeshire Police have been willing to act on evidence gathered by hunt saboteurs. George Adams may have retired but justice should still be served and the Fitzwilliam need to learn that despite their wealth and connections they are not above the law.”